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07/23/2021 10:23AM  
Recently completed our first trip to BWCA and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We have convinced our friends to join us next year, but there is a catch. Our friends have no interest in the camping experience preferring instead to “rough it” in a cabin/lodge. However, there are 4 of us who will spend time within BWCA and/or Quetico. Primary purpose: fishing which is the attraction to Quetico. Also understand differences in travel in that area v. BWCA. In looking at locations it appears Gunflint Lake or Seagull Lake will be focus.

First general question: if we only have 4-5 days for our trip, is it even worth looking into a Quetico trip? In reading some of the Quetico trip reports, they are longer in duration. Just trying to get a feel for where I should spend my research efforts and would appreciate any advice/suggestions. Thanks.
 
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07/23/2021 10:36AM  
A three or four day trip to Quetico is definitely worth it. You just won’t be able to go as far into the interior. But the fishing and scenery is still excellent.
My first trip to Quetico was a three night trip to Sagangons.
Just get a tow to save you time on day one.
07/23/2021 10:56AM  
Consider entering Quetico via Bottle (EP 44) or McAree (43) via a tow from Crane Lake. It gets you into some great fishing and beautiful falls on day one with minimal portaging. I use Anderson Outfitters.
07/23/2021 10:58AM  
Assuming that you will be able to get an RABC permit next year I think a Saganagons basecamp would be ideal. Its a big lake with good fish. Only one portage to get there. With a morning tow you could be setting up camp and or fishing by noon. You also have a variety of day trips - down the Maligne River, over into McIntyre, Blackstone(for a real adventure) and down the start of the Man Chain(Slate and Bell).

If you have to go through a customs station I don't think the drive up to the north side of the park is worth it for that short a trip. Spend more time on the water in the BWCA rather than driving.
AdamXChicago
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07/23/2021 02:45PM  
plander: "Consider entering Quetico via Bottle (EP 44) or McAree (43) via a tow from Crane Lake. It gets you into some great fishing and beautiful falls on day one with minimal portaging. I use Anderson Outfitters."

+1
07/23/2021 03:21PM  
Thank you all for the information! That is a hell of a tow from Crane to Bottle/McAree - definitely the only way to go! Let’s hope the fires near those 2 lakes do not damage that area. Little out of our range for this trip, but will file away for future use. Will look into Saganagons area and keep my eye on permit status. I did see that Seagull offers tow service to at least American Point. Thank you again!
07/24/2021 05:44PM  
Maybe I should try this on a new thread, but it's vaguely related to the topic :)

If fishing is your main fun, how is a late summer/early autumn trip different from an early season trip?

I've been twice to Quetico in June -- great fishing for bass and walleye with some pike and lakers thrown in -- and once to BWCA in early July, with similar results.

Kind of an open-ended question I know, but if there are big differences it could help me decide what to do, and whether to be patient and just go back next Spring/June like before. What I really love is fly fishing around camp and trolling while on the move, so if the fish are really deep in late season due to the heat, it might not work great for me.
07/28/2021 06:23PM  
Luckee - sorry but I don’t have the experience/knowledge to answer your question. Perhaps this bump will produce a response.
 
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